Periodontal disease is a silent, surreptitious disease that if left untreated can destroy a patient’s smile. Our Orland Park dentists try and educate all of our patients about gum disease so that they can avoid gum disease when possible and identify it early if it does pop up. Today we’ve prepared a quick explanation of how gum disease develops—we hope you’ll find this useful!
What is gum disease?
As the name suggests, gum disease is a bacterial infection of gum tissue or other oral tissues. Over time this infection can even spread to bone tissue. Gum disease is surprisingly common, in fact it’s the number one cause of tooth loss among adult patients.
What are some common symptoms of gum disease?
Many times gum disease is asymptomatic in its earliest stages. However, when you do notice symptoms, it’s important to start an effective treatment regimen so that the disease doesn’t progress. But if you notice these signs of gum disease, you should contact your dentist:
· Frequently bleeding gums
· Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
· Loose or shifting teeth
· Red or swollen gum tissue
· Dental bumps or sores
How does gum disease happen?
Gum disease develops when too much bacteria is allowed to colonize in the mouth. Everyday plaque builds up on your teeth and gums. Brushing and flossing are meant to clear harmful plaque away. When too much bacteria accumulates, it infects oral tissues and weakens the underlying structure of your smile.
Preventing gum disease takes diligent maintenance and dental hygiene. Call our Tinley Park dental office to learn more about what you can do at home to keep your smile fresh and your gums healthy and strong! During your consultation we can give you more even more specific information about maintaining your gum health, specifically.